Anna Pumer is a rising star in photography and branding mastery with a website (and photography) that instantly separates her from a big, big crowd of wedding photographers.
Anna has just been named a “Rising Star in UK Wedding Photography” and as a Photo Biz X listener, you'll know Anna's website copy is a masterpiece in branding, let me give you some examples…
On her home page she says:
A quirky, fun, creative wedding photographer, shooting weddings all over the UK and Europe.
With me, you can forget about awkward posed photos and forced smiles. Your wedding is about laughing so hard you spit your drink out, kicking your shoes off to dance wildly to the band, and everyone having a damned good time. And my job is to capture it all.
Anna's about page has things like:
I really bloody love my couples. I’m actual friends with most of them now and am going on holiday with one of them this summer!
I’m a ball of energy at a wedding, and when I get home I crash with the most delicious cup of tea I’ve ever had.
I edit your wedding photos sitting in my PJs with a cat on my lap (usually Kirby, who you can see above, looking unimpressed with a daisy chain on his head).
When I go to the pub I’ll more often than not just order a cup of tea.
Her photography is fresh, fun and full of action. I can't wait for you to hear this interview!
Here’s some more of what we cover:
What’s on Offer for Premium Members
If you’re a premium member, you should have received an email with links to your version of this episode where you can hear lots more content from where we dive deeper into some of the earlier topics plus some new ones that I pushed hard for that include:
What is your big takeaway?
Following this interview, I’d love to know what your biggest takeaway is – what is the one thing that you’d like to implement or learnt from what was shared? Let me know by leaving your thoughts in the comments below.
I don't want to be just another photographer. I want to be special. I want to be chosen for me and not just my photos
If you have any questions that I missed, a specific question you’d like to ask Anna or if you just want to say thanks for coming on the show, feel free to add them below.
If you’d like an easy way to show Anna your thanks, and support for the show at the same time, click the link to create a tweet and automatically show you’re listening: https://photobizx.com/tweet
iTunes Reviews and Shout-outs
Each week I check for any new iTunes reviews and it's always a buzz to receive these… for a couple reasons. Firstly it's confirmation that I'm on the right track with the interviews and that they really are helping you improve your photography business. That's awesome!
Secondly, iTunes is the biggest search engine when it comes to podcasts and it's your reviews and ratings that help other photographers find PhotoBizX. More listeners means more interviews and ultimately a better show.
If you have left a review in the past, thank you!
If you haven't and you'd like to, head to https://photobizx.com/itunes and you can leave some honest feedback and a rating which will help both me and the show and I'll be sure to thank you on the show and add a link to your website or blog just like I have with Clint below:
So glad I found you!
In iTunes by NandaDncr who I believe is Amanda Perris from Australia on May 10, 2015
I heard you recommended on The Candid Frame and went to check out the standard podcast. After listening to the first lot of accessible podcasts I decided to give the premium membership a go. And wow, this is great stuff and great interviews.
I am an amateur photographer considering the chances of turning this passion into a career and am loving the no BS, warts and all look into how others do it. I come from a business background and I’m realising that it is all transferable and that if I want to have a go at this I can’t be blinded by my passion as far as business goes.
Fantastic, thank you so much. Awesome show.
Insightful and Focused
In iTunes by Clint Bargen from North Vancouver Canada on May 22, 2015
I only recently discovered Andrew’s podcast, but I’m so thankful I did!
The guests he brings on board are always interesting and Andrew has a great ability to get them to reveal their deepest, darkest and most helpful business advice!
Listening to Andrew’s podcast makes me feel like I’m a part of a community of other photographers versus being in competition with them all.
Thanks for all your hard work!
$1 Trial for the PhotoBizX PremiumMembership
If you're listening to the free podcast, you definitely know you're missing out on a ton of good content that could be the difference in you speeding up your success in this busies or working things out yourself… slowly.
You've also probably wondered what you actually get for $20 per month with the membership, will it really be good value for you?
Now, you can trial the Premium Membership for a measly $1 for the first month! Here's the link to go sign up and stop missing so much great stuff: https://photobizx.com/try
Any questions or hassles, email me or leave a comment below – hope to see you in the membership area shortly.
The Future of Photography Websites – Understanding and Adapting to Trends
We've talked a lot about websites on the podcast and I can't think of the number of guests that have said their website is the number one source of bookings for them – including todays guest Anna Pumer.
Friend of the mine and the podcast, website guru, Alex Vita has just written an article over at Digital Photography School on current website trends and what you need to be doing to adapt to the changes.
Once again the article is written in Alex's easy to understand writing style and I know you will find something in this post that will get you thinking (and changing) what you're doing on your website.
Links to people, places and things mentioned in this episode:
Peek – Have a real person give feedback on your website
Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
Understanding Flash Photography: How to Shoot Great Photographs Using Electronic Flash
Day In The Life – Award winning album
Website Trends article by Alex Vita
Equipment
Nikon D750 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body
Fujifilm X-T1 16 MP Compact System Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 Lens
Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime AF-S Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Lens for Canon (Black)
Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 20mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
SpiderHolster SpiderPro Dual Camera System
HoldFast Gear Money Maker Two-Camera Harness (English Bridle, Tan, Regular)
THINK TANK SKIN 50 V2 Lens and Accessory Pouch
Thank you!
Thank you again for listening to the show and thanks Anna for being an awesome guest!
If you have any suggestions, comments or questions about this episode, please be sure to leave them below in the comment section of this post, and if you liked the episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post!
That’s it for me this week, hope everything is going well for you in life and business!
Thanks and speak soon
Andrew
I really enjoyed listening to this week’s podcast, I met Anna very early in her career and she has a wonderful energy that is just infectious and it’s clearly what makes her clients gravitate towards her. What I find so inspiring about her, and this episode, is how being true to yourself and your own personality is so important in being a successful wedding photographer. So much of what we do is about connecting with couples/clients and we can obsess about technical things until the cows come home, but for me personally it’s nothing without that connection.
It’s also highlights that so many photographers struggle to find their own voice and be true to themselves. When people start copying and stealing her (or anyones) work, putting the legality and frustrations aside, what it’s really highlighting is that those photographers don’t know who they are or feel confident enough to speak with their own voice.
I love that Anna’s photography is unique and full of her couples personalities. Rather than having a style of photography imposed on them, this shows how amazing wedding photography can be when both the photographer and couple are suited to each other and it’s not just a business transaction.
I feel quite uplifted having listened to this episode! Thanks Anna and thanks Andrew 🙂
Hi Christine – I absolutely love your takeaways from what Anna had to share in this episode. You are spot on and it’s exactly the thing I’ve been learning for myself since interviewing guests like Anna, Nikki Mcrthur, Kristen Kalp and others.
I’ve just read over your comments again and have nothing else to add – you’ve said it all perfectly. Couldn’t agree more.
Thanks so much Christine – and thank you for recommending me for the podcast, you’re awesome 🙂 You’re so right, I don’t want people to book me just because they need to tick “book wedding photographer” off their wedding planning list, I want to be a part of their wedding they get excited about, and happily that’s what’s happening, and why I love this job SO MUCH!!!xx
Holy moley! This really spoke to me! Especially seeing that I often also describe my style as creative and quirky but in pet photography instead of wedding 🙂 Thanks Christine and Andrew…I’m off to work on my copy more!
I met Anna at ‘Welcome Break’ and she is one of the nicest, most genuine people and it is lovely to hear her – it’s like she’s hanging out with me during my edit! She deserves to continue to be a star and I really hope our paths cross again soon! Also because of this I have now found an educational and interesting alternative to hours of Spotify! THANK YOU GUYS xxx
Awww Emma you’re so sweet! Yeah this podcast is amazing for listening to while editing 🙂 xx
Wow Angle your website and photos are so awesome!! I wish I was in Melbourne, I’d hire you to take those amazing photos of my cats!!
Gah, Damn autocorrect, I meant Angie, not Angle!!
Really enjoyed the interview with Anna – I’ve just checked out her site and the video in her about page is fantastic – so much more convincing than the standard text!
Another great interview from a UK based wedding photographer. I think Anna came across very well in the interview and I can see why couples would want her to be a part of their wedding day. Her personality translates perfectly into her website and photographs so everything feels authentic.
To go from a standing start to booking that many weddings in three years is just phenomenal and I can only say that I am very jealous!
Hey Andrew,
One question I have for you, it seems as though you’ve stopped asking the 10 quick questions? Any reason for that? I quite liked that segment of the podcast, especially the question on camera and fav lens.
Loving the podcasts as always.
Lee
Hi Lee
It sounds like you’re not hearing the premium version of the episode – I’m still asking the 10 questions, not always quickly though 🙂
Here are the instructions since the recent updates to the back end of the premium area of the site (let me know if you struggle at all to set it up and I’ll give you a call to walk you through it):
Instructions
1. Go to https://photobizx.com
2. Log in (there is a login area in the footer of every page)
3. Go to the main menu and under “Premium” click on “Member Home”
4. If you see your Premium Membership Feed URL here – you need to copy and paste that long URL into your podcast app. If you don’t see your feed URL here, go to Step 5
5. Click on “membership details”.
Halfway down your member page, you’ll find your “Premium Member Feed URL” – you need to copy and paste that long URL into your podcast app.
The easiest way I’ve found is to copy the URL and email it to my phone.
Once you have your Premium Member Feed URL on your phone
1. Open your downcast app
2. Click on “Add” at the bottom of the screen
3. Click on “Add Podcast Manually”
4. Paste the URL above into the field here
5. Click on “subscribe” in the top right of the screen
If you have any troubles, let me know and we can get on the phone or Skype and I’ll work through it with you.
Lastly – you can’t have downcast on your mac but you can listen with the premium podcast player – under the premium menu on the website or from the premium post on the website – the one with the orange player.
Speak soon
Andrew
I really loved this interview. Do you know it inspired me to write my first blog post in 18 months. I can’t believe I waited so long! I definitely need to personalise my web copy better. I can’t believe Anna has done 55 weddings and 39 booked. Amazing.
I enjoyed this episode – particularly the fact that you are self taught and have just got on with it!
Thanks Dan and I agree – no fuss or fluff from Anna, she just get’s stuck in and gets it done… her way.
I also loved Anna’s vibe on the interview, the images on here are very eye catching with an action as a focal point, very cool !
Your notes and lists are very detailed Andrew, thank you !
I jumped straight onto “Website Trends article by Alex Vita” which lead me on to a couple of links that I’m finding very useful as my site is to my perception very clean / professional and lacks any of my quirks 🙂
“Not Just Pretty: Building Emotion Into Your Websites” is a page I’ll be studding next.
Cheers Anna and Andrew 🙂
Totally agree with your thoughts on Anna’s photography Orlando.
And good to hear you you found some interesting and helpful tips from Alex’s article too. Not sure if you’re aware but the part 2 of that article has since gone up on the site: The Future of Photography Websites – Understanding and Adapting to Trends Continued
Thanks again Orlando for adding your comments.
Have to say I loved this interview. It it awful to say though that my favourite part was when she spoke about her Lithuanian heritage!? My maiden name is Pudymaitis which sounds pretty close to the name she thought Pumer came from:) Thank you so much for bringing us outstanding content each and every week!
Anita, I can’t BELIEVE that’s your favourite part of the interview! 😉
I’m obviously joking… I love that you and other listeners find something different in each interview or from each guest that resonates. I’m just as happy if your enjoyment comes from a business tip, a new idea or something on a more personal level.
You have to get in touch with Anna and see if there is a connection, you never know?
Aw yay Anita that’s awesome! I’d love to know what the original name was – every time I ask my mum she says something slightly different! Also, I accidentally said Pumer was my mum’s mum’s maiden name but it’s actually my mum’s.
I’m SO happy to hear that so many people have found the interview useful – I’ve had loads of messages too from lovely people saying how I helped them.
Yaaaay!!!
You ROCKED this interview Anna and I know you’ve had a much bigger impact on listeners that you probably know. Thanks so much again for sharing what you did and being so open and candid with your answers!
Wishing you every success for the future. Make sure you stay in touch!
Andrew
Thanks Andrew! I’ve had such a great response from the interview – I’m glad I didn’t chicken out now!
Haha, me too – you are AWESOME!
I’d love to have you back on sometime in the future for an update on how you’re going.
Hey Anna – I just had a follow up query regarding your workflow from a listener… He says:
I’d like for you to dig a little deeper into the bit where Anna mentions ‘key wording’ in IPTC for each image to improve SEO ranking.
Everything I’ve read on the net says key wording here is ignored by search engines – is there something more to what she’s doing?
Can you shed any light on this at all?
Thanks
Andrew
I’d love to come back on the show in the future!
As for keywording, I have no idea if it’s the right or wrong thing to do, but I do it anyway – my Google ranking is super high for the things I want to be searched for, so something is obviously working! I would say don’t always use the same keywords, be relevant, and also don’t be too general.
Anna
Awesome, you’re on Anna!
Haha, love your honesty, thank you again. And I agree, if it’s working, don’t stop!
Hey Anna,
I loved hearing the energy you shared with Andrew in your interview! Looking at your work post the interview I can see why you are kicking butt!
Andrew & Anna – always look forward to hearing your work! (now need to catch up on episodes!)
Thanks for adding your comments Mike – I’ll be sure to let Anna know you’ve made them.
I totally agree too, how good is she!
Hi Andrew and Anna
This episode really resonated with me I love it. It totally makes sense be yourself, talk the way you’d normally talk and just show your personality. I love the video Anna and you have inspired me to create a similar about me promo video for my site. I can see why most people don’t do them it’s quiet different being in front of the camera and you really need to think about what you’re going to say. Not to mention the time and effort you need to go to with organising everything but I think it’s totally worth it so everyone can see your personality upfront before they’ve even sent through that enquiry.
Cheers Andrew
Hey Andrew – love that you enjoyed this interview with Anna. Isn’t she a star!
And good on you for actually taking action and creating a video too. Man, there is nothing worse than being on the other side of the camera so kudos to you.
Love to hear what kind of reaction you get to your video from clients.